Gems of Moravia

Overview

Brno - 3 nightsTřebíč - 2 nights

Gems of Moravia

Discover lively Brno with modernist buildings and the Moravian countryside filled with a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage sites

This tour explores the many wonderful but less-visited treasures of Moravia whose fascinating heritage is honoured by an exceptional number of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Now part of the Czech Republic, this little-known corner of Europe reveals a fascinating architectural patrimony, unspoilt historic towns, Renaissance palaces and extraordinary Baroque churches. The Great Moravian Empire once included not only Czech and Slovak lands but also parts of what is now Austria, Hungary and Poland, although this lasted only for a couple of decades in the ninth century. After defeat at the Battle of Lechfeld in 955 it was annexed by neighbouring Bohemia and a union was formed until the start of the Habsburg rule in 1526.

The tour begins in Brno, the second largest city of the country and capital of Moravia, known for its functionalist buildings which sprang up at the beginning of the 20th century after the traditional textile industry started to change. Then experience multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beginning with the famous Villa Tugendhat. Castles and palaces are the pride of the Czech Republic and Lednice-Valtice, Litomyšl, Kroměříž and Telč are fine examples of how noble families lived.

Key Features

Day 1 Fly from London Stansted to Brno. Transfer to 4-star Best Western Premier Hotel International for three nights. Welcome dinner. (D)

Day 2 Visit Villa Tugendhat, designed by modernist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in the early 20th century. At Lednice visit the 19th century Gothic style summer palace of Prince Aloys II of Liechtenstein. View the landscaped garden and the minaret, also known as Turkish Tower. Continue to Valtice, the capital of Czech wine for a tasting. (B)

Day 3 Travel to Kroměříž, the summer residence of the bishops of Olomouc, to visit the Archbishop’s Palace with a magnificent Rococo hall, castle and flower gardens. Drive to Olomouc, the former capital of Moravia for a walking tour including the St. Wenceslas Cathedral, rebuilt in neo-Gothic style and the Holy Trinity Column, a Baroque monument built to celebrate the faith. (B)

Day 4 Drive to Žďár nad Sázavou, near the historical border between Moravia and Bohemia. Visit the pilgrimage church, built in honour of St John of Nepomuk at Zelená Hora in Baroque-Gothic style. Continue to Litomyšl to visit the Renaissance castle. Transfer to Třebíč for two nights at the 4-star Hotel Joseph 1699. (B)

Day 5 Walking tour of Třebíč including the Romanesque Basilica of St Procopius and the Jewish Quarter, one of the largest in Europe, with the Rear Synagogue and the Jewish cemetery. Continue to Telč to visit the 16th century castle, a gem of Moravian Renaissance architecture. (B)

Day 6 Transfer to Brno. Walking tour of the historic centre, including the medieval Town Hall, and the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Paul. Return flight. (B)

Hotel Joseph 1699 - Třebíč

A small boutique-style 4-star hotel in a 17th century building in the protected historical Jewish Quarter. Breakfast room, bar and WiFi (free). 16 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.

Save £150Arrival transfer add £15Departure transfer with group included

Price IncludesAir travel and taxes, transfers, 5 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 dinner, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Email Newsletter

Booking Form

Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm

* Please complete all fieldsTitleFirst Name *Please supply a first nameSurname *Please supply a surnameDate of BirthRoom Option

Travel Date *Please select a travel date

Alternative Travel Date

Accommodation Selection

I would like to discuss booking optional extras and upgrades
Additional Information / Special Requests (special requests cannot be guaranteed)

How did you hear about us? *Please complete all mandatory fields.

Have you travelled with us before?

We strongly advise that you purchase appropriate travel insurance to cover cancellation charges if you are unable to travel for medical or other unforeseen reasons, and for any possible accidents, medical emergencies, or other eventualities that may arise while away. Neither we, nor the FCO and consular services can provide the financial and practical assistance that a travel insurance policy would provide. Please tick to confirm that you have insurance cover.